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Hypertension

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Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is most common in older, obese cats.

This disease can cause injury to the brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys.

CAUSES:

Some cases of hypertension are idiopathic (there is no known cause). This is called Primary Hypertension. Some known causes include:

Stress

Heart disease

Kidney disease: with age, scar tissue grows on the kidneys; the kidneys shrink, and it becomes harder for blood to get through

Hyperthyroidism: increase of hormones and the metabolism, which causes the heart to pump faster

Other causes may include:

Diseases of the endocrine system (like Cushing’s disease)

Drugs

Disorders of the central nervous system

SIGNS:

Many cats with hypertension have nosigns at all. In cats that do show signs, the most common one is eye abnormalities:

Enlarged pupils

Blood in the eye

Sudden blindness

Othersigns include:

Strokes

Lack of energy

Blood clots

Rapid heart rate

If the underlying cause is kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, there will be additional signs:

Increased thirst and urination

Vomiting and weight loss

Dull, un-groomed hair

DIAGNOSIS:

To properly diagnose your cat with hypertension, your veterinarian may perform the following:

Physical examination: eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys

Doppler flow detector: repeated measurement of blood pressure

Blood tests: to check for underlying causes

X-rays and ultrasounds: to check underlying causes

TREATMENT:

Most veterinarians will recommend the following treatments for cats with hypertension:

Medication to lower blood pressure

Treatment of the underlying disease

Reduction of weight and sodium

PREVENTION:

If your cat is older, or has kidney or thyroid problems, you should have your veterinarian regularly test its blood pressure.

PROGNOSIS:

Hyperthyroidism is usually curable, but the prognosis depends on the severity of the underlying cause.

If the cat became blind, it may regain its vision if caught early enough.

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